Cabins near Stacyville, Maine provide access to over 200,000 acres of wilderness within Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 5,200 feet, creating diverse ecosystems from river valleys to alpine zones. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while fall brings cooler weather with overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to Do
Paddle the waterways: Shin Pond Village Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring both Upper and Lower Shin Ponds. "We went on a UTV ride one day and were treated to some beautiful views. Just a few miles down the road is a short hiking trail leading to Shin Pond Falls and another trail that runs along the Seboeis river which is a beautiful hike," notes one visitor.
Summit views without Katahdin: New England Outdoor Center provides alternatives to the crowded Katahdin trails. "You can rent canoes and gear to paddle on the lake, with a great view of Mt. Katahdin. Or, sign up for a guided canoe or rafting trip," shares a camper who appreciated the variety.
Wildlife watching: The region offers prime moose habitat. "Across the street from the campground we took the Golden road north to compass pond for a bit. People were picking wild blueberries. We were looking for moose around the bogs," reports a camper from Big Moose Campground.
What Campers Like
Pet services: Wilderness Edge Campground stands out for its unusual pet amenities. "This is a great campground! It is pet friendly & they will check on your pets or even walk them!" writes one reviewer who appreciated the service while exploring nearby trails.
Riverfront solitude: Abol Bridge Campground's waterfront sites receive high marks for their views. "The waterfront sites are absolutely beautiful. If you have a group of friends going its nice to be close. Definitely get out on the water to enjoy the view of Mt. Katahdin," notes a frequent visitor.
Rustic simplicity: Lean-tos at Abol Campground provide a true wilderness experience. "Our site Lean-To 6, I would argue is the best site. It is right on the stream and you feel secluded. The lean to was perfect but bring a small tent, this is not a large space," advises a visitor who appreciated the hooks for gear and private setting.
What You Should Know
Generator schedule affects facilities: Some campgrounds run on limited power. At New England Outdoor Center, "they advertise that there are flush toilets and showers but no hot water when the generator isn't running. It runs for a few hours in the morning and then from about 3-9 pm. The problem is that the restroom doors are locked when the generators are off."
Soft ground challenges: Heavy rains affect accessibility. "Sites are grass with very little gravel and, as we found out, they can be very soft. We pulled into our site (#21) and before we knew it our 45' (47,000 lbs) RV was stuck," reports a camper at Shin Pond Village Campground.
Site assignments may change: Be prepared for adjustments. "Wooded lots can be tight, lot you reserve isn't always what you get when you reserve a spot, they will change it and surprise when you get there, not always a good thing," notes a visitor to Wilderness Edge Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Gaming options: Katahdin Shadows Campground provides entertainment for children. "Arcade and well stocked store. Heated pool, campfires, tractor rides. Lots of permanent sites, but friendly, outgoing people!" notes a family who enjoyed the kid-friendly atmosphere.
Lit site markers: Night navigation becomes easier with thoughtful design. "Lit site markers made it easy to find your site. Kids enjoyed riding bikes and using the game room. Pool was clean and in a central location," shares a visitor about Katahdin Shadows Campground.
Winter camping options: For adventurous families, year-round options exist. "My wife and I winter camped here in a lean to in sub zero temperatures two years in a row, and while the owners thought we were nuts for not opting for a cabin they couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating," writes a camper about Matagamon Wilderness.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation challenges: RV hookup placement requires planning. "My site had the connections on the right side of my camper once I had backed it in, so I had to be careful about placement or have longer cords," notes a Wilderness Edge Campground visitor.
Power cord length: Bring extra-long utilities. "Another thing to note is how long your hoses and electric cords are, you may need to stretch them under/behind your camper depending on site location," advises an RVer at Katahdin Shadows Campground.
RV size limitations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "The sites are better suited for smaller RV setups but it is not impossible to get a bigger camper in. We have a 30 foot toy hauler and have fit in our spots ok. We don't recommend coming in after dark- it can be difficult to navigate," cautions a regular Wilderness Edge Campground visitor.
